PC or laptop? Need to buy a new computer

[ziopin]

Hi, I need a new computer, buy dont know too much about computers, I've got a 6 year old laptop!!

I need one that my son (12) can play the latest games on, I can surf the interent quick, can copy CD's quick and store photo's

Can anyone recommend one, and should I go for a PC or laptop?

Many thanks

Either will do what you want. You need to ask yourself instead ...

Do I need this machine to be portable (ie how many takes have I moved in it the last 6 years and really needed the portability)

Once you have figured that out

spend as much as you can on a
DUAL CORE processer
as much memory as possible 2Gb or more.
256Mb graphics card

laptops are traditionally a lower spec but you get portability. They will not upgrade as well either

the new operating system is MS VISTA and is a beast and needs oodles of both. However gamers use XP and there is no reason to change to VISTA operating system. It's very resource heavy. Particularly if you can only afford entry level computing, (upto £500) avoid VISTA your money and spec will never run it well enough for you to be happy with the speed

Most new PCs and laptops come iwth CD / DVD buring software and storing photos can be done on anything with 250Mb+ hard disk space

• I'd also recommend an external Hard Disk to copy as a backup all your photos and important documents.

have fun

Thanks so much for your help xx